Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice as a Dental Plaque Inhibitor and an Antigingivitis Agent: Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. In vitro studies proved that the stabilized stannousfluoride in the dentifrice can be both an effective dental plaqueinhibitor and an antigingivitis agent.Objectives. The aim of the study was a meta-analysis of previouslyconducted randomized control studies determining the clinicaleffectiveness of stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice with respect tothe reduction of the dental plaque (TMQHPI) and reducing gingivitis(MGI) in the period of 6 months, and compared to the negative control.Material and Methods. Basing on the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, theauthors reviewed literature from January 1997 to June 2015 regarding theimpact of the stabilized stannous fluoride containing dentifrices fordental plaque and gingivitis. Random effects model was used to calculatethe weighted mean difference.Results. For the purpose of meta-analysis of the effect of stannousfluoride containing dentifrice on the reduction of the plaque after 6months of brushing, 4 studies were evaluated. In order to check theinfluence of SnF2-containing dentifrice on gingivitis reduction,meta-analysis included two studies. The significant reduction of TMQHPIin the oral cavity was observed for SnF2 dentifrice (D = 0.19 +/- 0.19,p = 0.0492). Three of the mentioned studies confirmed the significantadvantage of this toothpaste in reducing plaque when compared to thenegative control (test of heterogeneity p < 0.0001, I2 = 97.2%).Statistically significant reduction of the intensity of gingivitis,expressed with the MGI index, was observed when this toothpaste was used(D = 0.38 +/- 0.1, p = 0.0000). Both of the studies confirmed thesuperiority in anti-inflammatory action when compared to the productscontaining sodium monofluorophosphate (test of heterogeneity p = 0.0026,I2 = 88.9%).Conclusions. Using the dentifrice containing stabilized stannousfluoride guarantees statistically significant difference in reducinggingivitis and, in smaller range, reduces dental plaque. Due to lack ofside effects, mainly teeth discolorations, such toothpastes may be usedfor a long period of time